Corporate Advocacy Program: The best way to manage and repair your business reputation. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Consumers want to see how businesses take care of business. All businesses will get complaints. How those businesses take care of those complaints is what separates good businesses from bad businesses.

I was contacted by a representative of Travel Agents Direct a few days ago. During our conversation this rep informed me that I had been referred to Travel agents direct by a company I had done business with in the past. When asked what company referred me, I was told that information was not available to the sales rep.

After listening to the deal the sales rep was proposing I knew it was too good to be true. As the rep attempted to "seal the deal", I was told my conversation was going to be recorded until the end of the call.

The sales rep began to speak very fast, as if she was trying to sneak things by me. After telling me there was going to be a charge of $40 plus a monthly fee of $15 I attempted to put the brakes on the conversation. Before I could the lady also informed me that this charge would be made directly to the checking account they had on file for me.

This company and I had never done business before and had both my routing number and my checking account number.

After questioning how this information was given to them and hearing it was given to them by the company that referred me, I asked to be transferred to a manager. The manager got on the phone and attempted to explain that my account information was not vital information and if it was it would not be on the front of every check I write. She again tried to sell me on the program.

After explaining that they should not have my information without my permission I requested information on Travel Agents Direct by mail. I was told they do not mail information until I agree to their two week trial.

Still trying to find out what company I have dealt with in the past that willing gave out my account information, I requested someone else to talk to that could give me this info. I was given an 800 number which turned out to be a directory service for several companies. The information I received was a mailing address in Florida where my request could be made. I am sure I will get the run around from this mailing address as well, that is if I even receive a response back.

Corporate Advocacy Program: The best way to manage and repair your business reputation. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Consumers want to see how businesses take care of business. All businesses will get complaints. How those businesses take care of those complaints is what separates good businesses from bad businesses.